The Effect of Malocclusion on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Adolescents in the Rural Areas of Hamirpur Block, Himachal Pradesh, India

Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire for OHRQoL among school-going children in the Hamirpur Block of Himachal Pradesh, India. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in government senior secondary schools of Hamirpur Block, Himachal Pradesh. A total of 294 students aged 12–18 participated in this study. The assessment tools used to determine the need for orthodontic treatment included the OHIP-14 questionnaire for OHRQoL and the dental health component (DHC) of the IOTN. Results: Of the 294 samples, the highest proportion (approximately 29%) exhibited borderline treatment needs, whereas the lowest proportion (approximately 6%) had high treatment needs. Overall, treatment needs were identified in approximately 165 individuals, which accounted for approximately 56% of the total samples. Self-consciousness was the most prevalent factor, observed in 81% of the participants. The mean overall score (± SD) was 4.29 ± 5.25. Physical disability exerted the least impact (0.19 ± 0.42), whereas psychological discomfort had the most significant effect (1.51 ± 1.67). A high need for orthodontic treatment significantly impacted the participants’ overall OHRQoL score across all domains of OHIP-14. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses of OHIP-14 regarding IOTN–DHC, sex and age group revealed a significant association between normative orthodontic treatment needs and overall OHIP-14 scores. In either analysis, boys had a statistically nonsignificant lower impact score than girls. With increasing age, the impact score for quality of life declined significantly for the 15–16 age group in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Malocclusion negatively affects OHRQoL and its various domains. Individuals with Grade 5 malocclusion (indicating a high treatment need) experience a considerable negative impact on their overall OHRQoL score across all domains of OHIP-14.